Middlesex wrestlers start season strong

Chargers have 2 state place-winners returning

It looks like a good season could be developing for the Middlesex High School wrestling team. The squad opened with a strong showing in its first meet, finishing fourth in the Caroline Invitational.

The usually strong Chargers have 28 wrestlers on their roster, with five seniors and 11 juniors.

Coach Joel Anderson, who also teaches physical education at Middlesex, is in his ninth season at the helm. He said, "We have some good wrestlers and lots of depth, and should do well. We are pretty solid. We have two athletes coming back who were state qualifiers last season."

Anderson was referring to senior Devante Robertson and junior George Ellis. Robertson placed eighth in the state in the 138 pound class in 2012, while, Ellis was sixth in 132.

A third place-winner, exchange student Vladimir Rowe, was eighth in the heavyweight class, but will not be back.

The team expects to be competitive in all or most of the 14 weight categories used in wrestling matches, though they may not have an entry in the 106-pound class.

Anderson is assisted by Will Moore, in his sixth year, and Wayne Mount, who is in his fifth.

The Chargers began the 2012 campaign on Dec. 7 at the Caroline Invitational and finished fourth out of 18 teams. Four of the Chargers won their weight classes.

Enrique Gonzales won the 113-pound class, Simon Urban took first in at 132, Ellis won at 138, and James Williams won at 170. All of the first-place finishers are juniors except Gonzales, who is a sophomore.

In last year's Group A state meet, Ellis lost his first match, then won three straight before losing. He had finished third in the Region A tournament.

Robertson was fourth in the regional tournament. He also lost in the first round, and won his next two matches before being defeated.